Mediation Procedure - Political Science 2120-01

Instructor: Clyde E. Willis, J.D., Ph.D. For Fall Term contact me at  cewillis@mtsu.edu,  See web address for instructions/information and updates at: http://mtsu32.mtsu.edu:11405/

Course Objectives: Students will examine the theoretical basis of mediation and how it works as an alternative to litigation, arbitration, negotiation and other adversarial methods of dispute resolution. They will learn and practice specific mediation skills (as mediator and as a client-advocate in mediation) and the details of different mediation approaches, including Restorative Justice. The teaching method is a mix of lecture, videotape viewing and role-play.

Readings: Recommended readings include: Jennifer Beer, The Mediator's Handbook, New Society Pub; 3rd Revision edition June 1997 (ISBN 0865713596), and Allan Goodman's Basic Skills for the New Mediator, Solomon Publications, 1994 (ISBN 0967097304). A working knowledge of hand-out materials and mediation forms will be required of all students. Students are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with some helpful background such as : Robert Bolton, People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1986, and Roger Fisher and William Ury, Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, NY: Penquin, 1990.

Course Requirements: Students will be expected to attend ALL classes, be PREPARED by having read assigned material, and PARTICIPATE in role play and discussions.

Attendance Policy: It is essential that each student participate in all mediation simulations, discussions and debriefings. Any student that misses an unsatisfactory number of classes or otherwise fails to participate in class activities will not receive credit for the course.  The university will hopefully be able to send six or seven students to the mediation events mentioned above.  Thus, not everyone may be able to represent the university on these trips.  The determination of who will participate will be based on the following criteria: (1) seniority, (2) ability to perform as a mediator and mediation advocate and (2) the amount of effort made in the class. 

Accommodations: If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodation for testing, or the need for note takers, readers, et cetera, please speak with me when possible. You may also contact the Office of Disabled Student Services at 898-2783 with any questions about such services.

Intercollegiate Competition: Members of the Mediation Procedure class, along with others, are eligible to qualify for membership in MTSU’s Student Mediation Association and participate in the National Intercollegiate Mediation Association’s (NIMA) regional mediation tournament and the annual mediation tournament that will be held on the dates and at the locations mentioned above.  For more information about mediation see the material on my Activities Web Page, and check the web page of the International Academy of Dispute Resolution on this year's mediation program at http://www.adrpeacemaking.org/tournaments.htm

Current Information: At this location I will update schedules and instructional information as the term progresses..

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